Since we’re hanging out with Kenny Powers in his dojo in Myrtle Beach, we missed this filing from Mr. Dyer. Apologies for the late publication. –Bassett

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – A left ankle injury kept Jets center Nick Mangold out of practice on Wednesday and the Pro Bowl offensive lineman was mum on his status for the rest of the week.

Mangold has begun to earn a reputation as being coy with the media, especially regarding injuries. He wouldn’t say if this was the same ankle injury that cost him two games last season but there is reason for optimism that he can return to the field sooner. Mangold did miss some snaps in the Jets 23-17 loss on Monday night due to the injury but he returned to finish out the game.

“It’s a little better than last year. I don’t know if I’m better at handling or just dealing with the injury, an ankle injury,” Mangold said. “It seems to be going better so far. Hopefully we’ll be continuing down that path.”

Head coach Rex Ryan said he was “hopeful” that Mangold will play on Sunday. The Jets center wore shorts and sweatshirt for practice and peddled on a stationary bike.

When asked if it was the same injury as last year, he invoked HIPPA and said “I’m not medically cleared for that kind of distinction.” Of course HIPPA involves protecting a patient from release of information and since Mangold is the patient, it was an obvious attempt to play cat and mouse with the media.

When asked if he can play this Sunday against the Colts, Mangold was equally jovial in his lack of depth in responding.

“I hope so,” Mangold said. “I’m taking it day by day by day by day.”

Kristian R. Dyer covers the Jets for Metro New York and contributes to The Jets Blog @KristianRDyer